India captain Rohit Sharma admitted his team’s performance was “not good enough” after they were hammered by South Africa in the first Test at Centurion.
Having conceded a 163-run first-innings deficit, the tourists were skittled for just 131 in their second knock with the Proteas cruising to an innings and 32-run win inside three days.
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Test debutant Nandre Burger did much of the damage, taking four for 33 with only Virat Kohli putting up any real resistance with 76.
The result means India must win in Cape Town next week to salvage a draw from the two-Test series.
“It was not good enough,” said Sharma. “We got decent runs having been put in, and KL Rahul batted brilliantly [for 101], but we failed to exploit the conditions with the ball. The batting was poor in the second innings.
“Virat batted brilliantly but to win Tests you have to come together collectively. We failed to do that.”
With a short turnaround before the second Test gets underway next Wednesday, Sharma says there was no time for players feeling sorry for themselves.
He added: “We’ll regroup and come back. It’s important to regroup as quickly as we can. It’s tough from a loss like these but as sportsmen you go through these times. We have got to pick ourselves up.”
🇿🇦THE PROTEAS LEAD THE FREEDOM SERIES
A mammoth all-round effort from the Proteas to take a 1-0 lead in the #BETWAY Test Series🇿🇦🇮🇳
What a victory by the boys 💪😅
The Final Frontier Continues 😎#WOZANAWE #BEPARTOFIT #SAVIND PIC.TWITTER.COM/MFWVAGPHXS
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) DECEMBER 28, 2023
Proteas opener Dean Elgar was named the man of the match for his 185 in his farewell series.
“It was pretty special for me,” he said.
“To contribute to this team is what I’ve always wanted to do. It hasn’t worked out sometimes but it did here.
“You’ve got to keep it nice and simple, focus on the ball, play nice and straight and play late.”
Kagiso Rabada also impressed alongside Burger, finishing with match figures of seven for 91.
“KG was amazing,” added Elgar, “and a guy like Nandre just came to the fore, it was awesome to see his performance.
“It was a really great team performance and we’re glad to leave here on a high.”
